You chose:

"Brenda, sounds as if you are really ready for a holiday. Tell me a bit more about what you are thinking of doing over the break. Where would you like to go? Do you have friends or family that you might want to visit? Tell me a bit more about your plans. Maybe we can brainstorm about some ideas together."

If you chose D, congratulations. You are practicing the positive communication skills you need to be a good mentor.

In this example, the mentor

• Listens to Brenda and empathizes. The mentor writes:

"Brenda, sounds as if you are really ready for a holiday."

• Asks specific questions to understand what Brenda is saying. The mentor writes:

"Tell me a bit more about what you are thinking of doing over the break. Where would you like to go? Do you have friends or family that you might want to visit? Tell me a bit more about your plans."

• Focuses on Brenda. The mentor focuses on Brenda’s idea to go on a trip. The mentor doesn’t get distracted and talk about other things.

In this answer, the mentor remembers NOT to CRY. The mentor doesn’t criticize, doesn’t react hastily, and doesn’t "yakkity yak yak" about other things.

  Check Your Answer Yourself

You have answered all 3 examples correctly. In the next activity, you will role play being a mentor yourself and practice helping your partner learn positive communication skills.

This research is supported by Grant #H133G8004 from The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and no official endorsement should be inferred.